Rebecca's Story

I want to help raise awareness, and to let anyone who is struggling know that they don’t have to go through this alone. Most importantly, I am writing to tell you this.

For Pieta to continue to do the phenomenal work they do, they need our help. 85% of the funding for all of Pieta’s lifesaving services comes from donations made by people like you and me.

I want to tell you about the extraordinary support that we have received from our community, from Pieta – and from kind people like you.

I am asking you to please join me, by making a special gift today Pieta today.

Ryan was so full of life. He brought joy to every room he walked into.

He was sports mad. He loved Manchester United and Drogheda United. And he loved his dog, Bailey. Every day, he and his brother Dylan would take Bailey for a 5K walk around our local area called ‘The Commons’.

When you look back, you can overanalyse everything. But we had no way of knowing that our world was about to come crashing in around us. When Ryan died, we had no idea what to do or say.

But we weren’t alone. You quickly see how many people were touched by Ryan’s death. And everybody wanted to help.

But we also needed professional help. You see, your friends and your family are brilliant. But they’re not trained or qualified to help guide you through this.

That’s what Pieta does.

Just after Ryan passed, someone gave me a card with Pieta’s number on it. A few weeks later, I found the card in my wallet. When I rang, I chatted to this lovely lady. Within 5 minutes she said, “Tell me about Ryan”. I immediately started crying down the phone to her. I told her about his whole life.

Then one of Pieta’s Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officers called to the house. She was amazing. It’s so beneficial when someone like that comes into your home and creates such a safe space for you to just talk. Or sometimes she would just sit with us as we went through photographs. But it all helped.

Without Pieta, I really don't know how I would have coped.

So please, will you help Pieta to continue that amazing work by making a special gift today?

And it’s not just bereavement therapy. Your donation will also help to fund Pieta’s 24 Hour-Crisis Helpline, and the 22 Pieta centres across the country where anyone affected by suicide or self-harm can get the professional help they need.

Everyone’s experience of suicide is different. And I can only speak about mine. But I want you to know how comforting it is to know that there are so many people like you out there – people who really care and are doing whatever they can to help.

That’s what has given us Hope.

I don’t know if suicide has ever touched your life. Or, if you or anybody you love has been affected by suicide or self-harm. If you have, please know that we are thinking of you and sending you all our love and support.

I miss my son more than words can say. Thank you for taking the time to read this and for letting me share Ryan’s story with you.

With all my love and deepest gratitude,

Rebecca Whelan-Griffin